Brain zaps reveal secrets of aging and awareness

NCT ID NCT03655769

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study uses a mild brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to temporarily disrupt a brain region involved in learning. Researchers want to see if this disruption changes how aware people are of the connection between a tone and an air puff to the eye. The goal is to understand how aging affects this kind of learning awareness. The study involves 16 healthy adults aged 20-30 and uses fMRI to watch brain activity.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help scientists understand how awareness and learning change with age, potentially guiding future therapies for cognitive decline.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-stage study with only 16 participants. It is designed to measure brain activity, not to treat any condition, so direct health benefits are unlikely.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION

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